Dalsa Pantera TF 11M4 User manual

Pantera TF 11M4 and 6M8
Camera User’s Manual
PT-2x-11M04 4 fps
PT-2x-06M08 8 fps
Progressive Scan Monochrome Camera
23-Sep-10
03-032-10096-05
www.dalsa.com

2 Pantera TF 11M and 6M User’s Manual
DALSA 03-032-10096-05
© 2010 DALSA. All information provided in this manual is believed to be accurate and reliable. No
responsibility is assumed by DALSA for its use. DALSA reserves the right to make changes to this
information without notice. Reproduction of this manual in whole or in part, by any means, is prohibited
without prior permission having been obtained from DALSA.
About DALSA
DALSA is an international high performance semiconductor and electronics company that designs,
develops, manufactures, and markets digital imaging products and solutions, in addition to providing
wafer foundry services. DALSA’s core competencies are in specialized integrated circuit and electronics
technology, and highly engineered semiconductor wafer processing. Products include image sensor
components; electronic digital cameras; and semiconductor wafer foundry services for use in MEMS,
power semiconductors, image sensors and mixed signal CMOS chips.
DALSA is a public company based in Waterloo, ON Canada and listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange
under the symbol “DSA”.
All DALSA products are manufactured using the latest state-of-the-art equipment to ensure product
reliability.
For further information not included in this manual, or for information on DALSA’s extensive line of
image sensing products, please call:
North America
700 Technology Park Drive
Billerica, MA
USA, 01821
Tel:[phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.dalsa.com
[email protected]
[email protected]
Europe
Breslauer Str. 34
D-82194 Gröbenzell (Munich)
Germany
Tel: +49 - 8142 – 46770
Fax: +49 - 8142 – 467746
www.dalsa.com
[email protected]
[email protected]
Asia Pacific
Ikebukuro East 13F
3-4-3 Higashi-Ikebukuro
Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Japan
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.dalsa.com
[email protected]
[email protected]

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Contents
Introduction to the Pantera TF 11M and 6M Area Scan Cameras _______________________ 5
1.1 Camera Highlights.......................................................................................................................................................5
1.2 Image Sensors .............................................................................................................................................................6
1.3 Camera Performance Specifications ............................................................................................................................8
Camera Hardware Interface________________________________________________ 15
2.1 Installation Overview...................................................................................................................................................15
2.2 Input/Output Connectors and LED...............................................................................................................................15
Software Interface: How to Control the Camera __________________________________ 21
3.1 Communications Protocol Overview ............................................................................................................................21
3.2 Overview: Setting up the Camera to Send Commands................................................................................................22
3.3 Saving and Restoring Settings.....................................................................................................................................22
3.4 Setting Output Mode....................................................................................................................................................23
3.5 Setting the Data Mode.................................................................................................................................................24
3.6 Setting Baud Rate........................................................................................................................................................25
3.7 Setting Frame Rate, Exposure Time, and Exposure Mode...........................................................................................25
3.8 Controlling the Camera’s Shutter and Strobe .............................................................................................................28
3.9 Setting Gains ...............................................................................................................................................................30
3.10 Increasing Sensitivity with Binning............................................................................................................................31
3.11 Monitoring the Camera .............................................................................................................................................32
3.12 Rebooting the Camera...............................................................................................................................................32
3.13 Setting the Pre-trigger ..............................................................................................................................................33
3.14 Setting the Video Mode and Generating Test Patterns .............................................................................................33
Optical and Mechanical Considerations________________________________________ 37
4.1 Mechanical Interface....................................................................................................................................................37
4.2 Lens Mounts.................................................................................................................................................................38
4.3 Mounting the Camera..................................................................................................................................................38
4.4 Thermal Management.................................................................................................................................................38
4.5 Environment ................................................................................................................................................................38
Cleaning and Maintenance ________________________________________________ 39
5.1 Cleaning.......................................................................................................................................................................39
5.2 Maintenance ................................................................................................................................................................40
Troubleshooting________________________________________________________ 41
6.1 Common Solutions.......................................................................................................................................................41
6.2 Troubleshooting Using the Serial Interface.................................................................................................................42
6.3 Specific Solutions .........................................................................................................................................................43
6.4 Product Support...........................................................................................................................................................44

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Camera Link™ Reference, Timing, and Configuration Table__________________________ 45
Commands and Error Handling _____________________________________________ 53
B1 All Available Commands ..............................................................................................................................................53
EMC Declaration of Conformity______________________________________________ 57
Index _______________________________________________________________ 59

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1
Introductiontothe
PanteraTF11Mand6M
AreaScanCameras
1.1CameraHighlights
Features
• 4008(H) x 2627(V) or 3072(H) x 2048(V) resolution, full frame CCD architecture
• The Pantera TF 11M4 offers up to 4.4 fps, two outputs at full resolution, 36 MHz data
rate
• The Pantera TF 6M8 offers 7.5 fps, two outputs at full resolution, 36 MHz data rate
• Up to 14 bit digitization
• Small gain steps to achieve extremely low seam mismatch between taps (if you are
using the two tap model)
• High sensitivity with low dark current
• Progressive scan readout
• Exposure control and antiblooming
• Asynchronous image capture, externally triggerable
• Tap to tap matching
• 100% fill factor
• Single 12VDC to 24VDC power supply
• Multiple triggering options
• Up to 4x4 binning
Programmability
• Simple ASCII protocol controls gain, offset, frame rates, trigger mode, test pattern
output, up to 4x4 binning, and camera diagnostics
• Serial interface (ASCII, 9600 baud, adjustable to 19200, 57600, 115200), through
Camera Link™

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Description
The Pantera TF 11M and 6M digital cameras provide high-sensitivity 14 bit images with a
4008 x 2672 (output 4032 x 2672) or 3076 x 2048 spatial resolution respectively. The
cameras use DALSA’s full frame FTF4027M and FTF3020M CCDs to simultaneously
achieve outstanding resolution and gray scale characteristics. A square pixel format and
high fill factor provide superior, quantifiable image quality even at low light levels.
Applications
The Pantera TF 11M and 6M are outstanding performers in fast, very high resolution
applications. 14 bit performance provides up to 8192 distinct gray levels—perfect for
applications with large interscene light variations. The low-noise, digitized video signal
also makes the camera an excellent choice where low contrast images must be captured in
challenging applications.
Specific applications include:
• Flat panel inspection
• Microscopy
• Aerial reconnaissance
• Medical and non-destructive test x-ray
1.2ImageSensors
PanteraTF11M
The Pantera TF 11M4 offers frame rates at up to 4.4 frames per second (fps) using two
output taps to simultaneously read out data or 2.6 fps using one output tap. The Pantera
TF 11M2 uses one output tap. This camera uses DALSA’s FTF4027M full-frame CCD
image sensor. The FTF4027M provides the highest possible image quality for its
resolution, with lower dark current, lower noise, and higher dynamic range than any
competitor.
Figure 1: FTF4027M Image Sensor
Image Area
4008 active pixels
2672
active
lines
20 20
6 black lines
6 black lines
2684
lines
44
4056 cells
Output amplifier Output register
4104 cells
ZY
WX
2424

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PanteraTF6M
The Pantera TF 6M8 offers frame rates at up to 7.5 fps using two output taps to
simultaneously read out data or 4.5 fps using one output tap with the Pantera TF 6M5.
This camera uses DALSA’s FTF3020M full-frame CCD image sensor and its remarkable
image quality made it the de facto standard for digital still photography. The FTF3020M
provides the highest possible image quality for its resolution, with lower dark current,
lower noise, and higher dynamic range than any competitor.
Figure 2: FTF3020M Image Sensor
Image Area
3072 active pixels
2048
active
lines
20 20
6 black lines
6 black lines
2060
lines
44
77
3120 cells
Output amplifier Output register
3
1
3
4
ce
ll
s
ZY
WX

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1.3CameraPerformanceSpecifications
Table 1: Pantera TF 11M4 and 6M8 Camera Performance Specifications
Camera Features Units Notes
Resolution H x V pixels 11M: 4032 x 2672
6M: 3072 x 2048
1
Pixel Size µm 11M: 9 x 9
6M: 12x12
Pixel Fill Factor % 100
Output Modes Dual or Single
Mechanical
Interface
Units Notes
Size mm 94 x 94 x 51
Weight kg 0.68
Electrical Interface Units Notes
Power Dissipation W < 15
Input Voltage VDC 12 24
Power Connector 6 pin Hirose
Data Output Format Bits 12
Programming
Connector
Base Camera Link™
Optical Interface Units Notes
Back Focal Distance
F Mount
M72 Mount
mm
mm
46.50±0.18
6.5mm
Lens Mount F-mount available as
accessory
Camera Thread M72x0.75 (standard)
Aperture mm 36.86x24.58 (6M)
36.07x24.05 (11M)
Sensor Alignment
x, y
z
z
z
Parallelism/Tilt
µm
F Mount back
focal distance
Sensor die to
front edge of
M72 mount
º
µm
±400
46.50 ± 0.30mm
12.13±0.30mm
±1.25
<175 over sensor
Sensor Flatness µm 30 peak-peak

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Camera
Performance
Units Min. Nom. Max. Notes
Frame Rate fps .06-Mode 8 11M4: 4.4
6M8: 7.5
2, 3
Data Rate MHz 2x36
Data Format 8, 10, 12, or 14 bit user selectable
Operating Temp °C 0 40 At front
plate.
Nominal Gain
Range
1x 4x 4
Dynamic Range dB
DN:DN
66
3600:1.75
Pixel Response Non-
Uniformity (PRNU)
% rms <5
Fixed Pattern Noise
(FPN)
DN rms <5
Random Noise DN rms 1.2 1.75
Sat. Output
Amplitude
DN 3600 3900 4095 5
DC Offset DN 45 50 55 5
DC Offset
Subtraction
DN up to 50
5
Antiblooming >100x 5
Responsivity DN/(nJ/cm2) 20 12-bit
@530nm
Power Up Duration sec 10
Regulatory
Regulatory
Compliance
CE
Notes:
1. Sensor line length is actually 4008 pixels but to fit evenly on 64-bit boundaries
required for most high-performance frame grabbers 4032 pixels are sent in each line.
The extra pixels are split evenly and placed at the start and the end of each line.
2. No binning, full resolution.
3. Minimum frame rate while operating in Mode 8.
4. 2x and 4x gain are not available when using 14 bit output
5. Nominal output, 100ms exposure time. Light source: broadband quartz halogen,
3200K, 750nm and IR cutoff filter.

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Figure 3: Pantera TF 11M Responsivity
Figure 4: Pantera TF 6M Responsivity
0 430 480 530 580 630 680 730 780 830 880 930
Wavelength (nm)
4
16
8
12
20
Responsivity[DN/(nJ/cm²)]
Pantera TF 11M Responsivity
400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800
0
4
8
12
16
20
24
Wavelength (nm)
Responsivity[DN/(nJ/cm²)]
Pantera TF 6M Responsivity

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Figure 4: Pantera TF 11M Normalized Noise vs. Camera Front PlateTemperature
Figure 5: Pantera TF 11M4 Dark Offset vs Camera Front Plate Temperature
0.9
1
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
25 30 35 40 43 45 48 50 53 55 57.4 60
Noise
Temp
Tap 1
Tap 2
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
25 30 35 40 43 45 48 50 53 55 57.4 60
Temp
Dark Offset
Tap 1
Tap 2

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Figure 6: Pantera TF 11M4 FPN vs Camera Front Plate Temperature
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
25 30 35 40 43 45 48 50 53 55 57.4 60
FPN
Temp
Tap 1
Tap 2

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Figure 7: Pantera TF 6M Normalized Noise vs. Camera Front Plate Temperature
Figure 8: Pantera TF 6M Dark Offset vs Camera Front Plate Temperature
0.80
1.00
1.20
1.40
1.60
1.80
2.00
25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
Temp
Noise
Tap 1
Tap 2
47
49
51
53
55
57
59
25 30 35 40 45 50 55
Temp
Dark Offset
Tap 1
Tap 2

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Figure 9: Pantera TF 6M FPN vs Camera Front Plate Temperature
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
Temp
FPN
Tap 1
Tap 2

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2
CameraHardware
Interface
2.1InstallationOverview
In order to set up your camera, you should take these initial steps:
1. Power down all equipment.
2. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, install the frame grabber (if
applicable). Be sure to observe all static precautions.
3. Install any necessary imaging software.
4. Before connecting power to the camera, test all power supplies. Ensure that all the
correct voltages are present at the camera end of the power cable (The Camera Performance
Specifications on page 7 list appropriate voltages). Power supplies must meet the
requirements defined in section 2.4 Power Input.
5. Inspect all cables and connectors prior to installation. Do not use damaged cables
or connectors or the camera may be damaged.
6. Connect data, serial interface, and power cables.
7. After connecting cables, apply power to the camera. After a few seconds, the LED
on the back of the camera should be green to indicate that the camera is operating
and ready to receive commands.
2.2Input/OutputConnectorsandLED
The camera uses a:
• Diagnostic LED for monitoring the camera. See LED Status Indicator section below
for details.
• High-density 26-pin MDR26 connector for Camera Link control signals, data signals,
and serial communications. Refer to Figure 11: MDR26 Connector for pin
descriptions.
• 5-pin MiniUSB type connector for shutter control and direct trigger. Refer to page 19
for pin descriptions.
• 6-pin Hirose connector for power. Refer to page 18 for pin descriptions.
This installation overview
assumes you have not installed
any system components yet.

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Figure 10: Camera Inputs/Outputs
2.2.1LEDStatusIndicator
Table 2: Status LED
Color of Status LED Meaning
Flashing Green Camera Initialization
Solid Green Camera Ready
Flashing Red Fatal Error
Solid Red Warning, such as firmware did not load or voltage out of
limit
2.2.2CameraLinkDataConnector
The Camera Link interface is implemented as a Base Configuration in the Pantera TF 11M
and 6M cameras. A Base Configuration uses 1 MDR26 connector and 1 Channel Link
chip. The main characteristics of the Base Configuration are:
• Ports supported: A, B, C
• Serializer bit width: 28
• Number of chips: 1
• Number of MDR26 connectors: 1
DataConnector
Figure 11: MDR26 Connector
MDR26 Female
1
14
13
26
MatingPart :3M 334-31 series
Cable: 3M 14X26-SZLB-XXX-0LC **
+12 to +24V DC and Ground
Camera Link™
Diagnostic LED
Shutter Control

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Table 3: MDR26 Connector Reference
Item Value Item Value
Pinout BASE Pinout BASE
1 GND 14 GND
2 X0- 15 X0+
3 X1- 16 X1+
4 X2- 17 X2+
5 Xclk- 18 Xclk+
6 X3- 19 X3+
7 SERTC+ 20 SERTC-
8 SERTFG- 21 SERTFG+
9 CC1- 22 CC1+
10 CC2+ 23 CC2-
11 CC3- 24 CC3+
12 CC4+ 25 CC4-
13 GND 26 GND
Notes:
*Exterior Overshield is connected to the shells of the connectors on both ends.
**3M part 14X26-SZLB-XXX-0LC is a complete cable assembly, including connectors.
Unused pairs should be terminated in 100 ohms at both ends of the cable.
Table 4: DALSA Camera Control Configuration
Signal Configuration
CC1 EXSYNC
CC2 Spare
CC3 Spare
CC4 Spare
DigitalData
The camera digitizes internally to 14 bits and has a user selectable output of 8, 10, 12, or
14 bits in LVDS format on the Camera Link connector. You can select the output using the
oms command. For details, see section 3.5 Setting the Data Mode.
DataClockingSignals
These signals indicate when data is valid, allowing you to clock the data from the camera
to your acquisition system. These signals are part of the Camera Link configuration and
you should refer to the DALSA Camera Link Implementation Road Map for the standard
location of these signals (http://www.dalsa.com/mv/knowledge/appnotes.aspx):
Clocking Signal Indicates
LVAL (high) Outputting valid line
DVAL (high) Valid data
STROBE (rising edge) Valid data
IMPORTANT:
This camera’s data
should be sampled on
the rising edge of
STROBE.

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See Appendix A for the complete Camera Link timing, DALSA Camera Link
configuration table, and refer to the DALSA Web site for the official Camera Link
document (http://www.dalsa.com/mv/knowledge/appnotes.aspx).
InputSignals
The camera accepts an EXSYNC control input through the Camera Link MDR26F
connector. External control signals are optional and enabled through the serial interface.
EXSYNC(TriggersReadout)
EXSYNC is an optional input signal that can be used to trigger the frame rate. Depending
on the camera’s exposure mode setting, it can use either the rising or falling edge of
EXSYNC to trigger frame readout. Refer to the following table for details.
Table 5: EXSYNC Edge Description
Mode EXSYNC Edge Description
4 The rising edge of EXSYNC begins camera exposure. The falling edge begins
readout.
6 The falling edge of EXSYNC initiates camera exposure.
For more information on camera exposure modes, including timing diagrams, refer to
section 3.7 Setting Frame Rate, Exposure Time, and Exposure Mode on page 25.
NOTE: EXSYNC should not be clocked faster than the camera’s specified maximum frame
rate. The camera ignores the EXSYNC pulse until it has completed reading the last line
out.
2.2.3PowerConnector
Hirose 6-pin Circular Male
5
4
6
23
1
MatingPart:HIROSE
HR10A-7P-6S
Pin Description Pin Description
1 +12V to +24V 4 GND
2 +12V to +24V 5 GND
3 +12V to +24V 6 GND
The camera requires a single voltage input (+12VDC to +24VDC). The camera meets all
performance specifications using standard switching power supplies, although well-
regulated linear supplies provide optimum performance.
When setting up the camera’s power supplies follow these guidelines:
• Protect the camera with a fast-blow fuse between power supply and camera.
• Do not use the shield on a multi-conductor cable for ground.
• Keep leads as short as possible to reduce voltage drop.
• Use high-quality
linear supplies to minimize noise.

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Note: Performance specifications are not guaranteed if your power supply does not meet
these requirements
WARNING: It is extremely important that you apply the appropriate voltages to your camera.
Incorrect voltages will damage the camera. Protect the camera with a fast-blow fuse between
power supply and camera.
Visit the DALSA Web site for a list of companies that make power supplies that meet the
camera’s requirements. The companies listed should not be considered the only choices.
(http://www.dalsa.com/mv/support/thirdparty.aspx?cat=power)
2.2.4ShutterControlConnector
Figure 12: Shutter Control Connector
13
Table 6: Shutter Control Connector Pinout Reference
Pin Description Pin Description
1 NC 4 NC
2 Direct Trigger In 5 GND
3 Shutter Control Out
The shutter control connector provides a direct interface to control an external shutter
and/or a trigger input when the camera is operating in one of the external trigger modes
(refer to section 3.7 Setting Frame Rate, Exposure Time, and Exposure Mode for more
information on operating in external trigger modes). These signals are TTL compatible
(i.e. Vlow_max=0.8V, Vhigh_min=2.4V).
The shutter control output is a signal that is active (high) while the camera is in the
exposure state. For example, if the exposure time is set to 1 second then this signal would
be high for the 1 second exposure and then low while the camera is reading out. This
signal can be used to control an external shutter, opening it when the signal is high and
closing it when the signal is low and preventing image smearing caused by light exposure
during read out. You can also modify the signal using the software commands, sct and
scp. Refer to section 3.8 Controlling the Camera’s Shutter and Strobe for details.
The direct trigger input has the same function as the CC1 control signal on the Camera
Link interface. The specific function of this trigger depends on the camera’s operating
mode but is similar to EXSYNC signal described in section 2.2.2.
A mating connector and cable for this interface is available from DigiKey, PN: 167-1009-
ND (1 meter length).
1 2 3 4 5

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